Do you usually look at your smartphone, computer or tablet? Doing this exposes you to digital blue light. Blue light is visible light with wavelengths between 400 and 450 nanometers.
It consists of short, high-energy waves that are less intense than the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Although the name sounds like the light is blue, it can be recognized as any color visible to the human eye.
It is well known that exposure to blue light emitted from digital screens is a common cause of sleep disturbances that can lead to fatigue. Westpoint Optical is here to help you enjoy a restful night’s sleep by blocking the blue light.
Our blue light-blocking glasses can filter out 90% of the blue light and are designed to reduce digital eyestrain, fatigue, and headaches and promote natural sleep. By using these glasses, you can stay productive and healthy for longer periods of time without sacrificing your quality of life.
What is blue light and why is it bad?
So, what exactly is blue light and why does it carry negative implications? Blue light encompasses both natural and artificial sources, including sunlight and even traditional incandescent light bulbs. The naturally occurring blue light seems to pose insignificant health risks, research, however, demonstrates that blue light emitted from digital devices can disturb an individual’s circadian rhythm.
Here’s why,
Our eyes are constantly monitoring the light conditions around us. Before electricity, our bodies began preparing for sleep as soon as the sunset. As the sky darkens, the hormone melatonin is naturally released, making us sleepy and allowing us to fall asleep.
Today we are exposed to artificial light. In fact, digital devices that emit blue light before bed can reduce the amount of melatonin our bodies normally release by up to 50%. It’s no wonder that exposure to blue light before bed can negatively affect the quality and quantity of sleep.
Studies have also found that blue light from digital screens can cause eye strain, leading to symptoms such as sore and tired eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and photosensitivity. Eye strain is not only uncomfortable, but it also affects productivity at school and in the office.
How do you counteract blue light?
We use screens all the time, so what can we do to avoid the effects of digital blue light? Spending less time in front of screens is the obvious answer, but easier said than done. A simpler and more stylish solution is blue light glasses. We have prescription glasses and non-prescription glasses that cut blue light. Contact Westpoint Optical in Brampton West to learn more about the benefits of blue light glasses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How harmful is blue light?
A: Blue light is more of a concern than others because it has more energy than other colors in the visible light spectrum. In addition, digital eye strain and circadian rhythm disturbances can affect daily performance. Scientists are also studying whether the blue light emitted by digital devices is strong enough to affect eye health.
Q: Does blue light cause anxiety?
A: High levels of blue light can increase our cortisol and adrenaline hormones. The increase in these levels can leave us feeling anxious.